Julio Urias accepted a 20-game suspension under MLB’s Joint Domestic Violence, Sexual Assault and Child Abuse Policy, and was placed on the suspended list by the Los Angeles Dodgers on Saturday.
“While we are disappointed in what occurred and support the decision by the Commissioner’s Office, we are also encouraged that Julio has taken responsibility for his actions and believe he will take the necessary steps to learn from this incident,” the Dodgers said in a statement.
Urias is credited for serving five games while he previously was on administrative leave, and as such his current suspension will span 15 games.
Urias was arrested in May on suspension of domestic violence during an incident at the Beverly Center. The Dodgers immediately placed Urias on administrative leave as MLB launched their investigation.
Witnesses told police Urias shoved his girlfriend in the parking lot of the shopping mall, though she refuted the claims. The league was said to have encountered trouble in obtaining surveillance video of the incident.
In June, the L.A. prosecutors office announced they would not press charges against Urias under the conditions that he participate in a City Attorney hearing, commit no acts of violence against anyone, and successfully participate in and complete a 52-week domestic violence counseling program in person, and in a group setting.
Although Urias avoided criminal punishment, MLB commissioner Rob Manfred retained the authority to take action. Per the collective bargaining agreement, the Dodgers were not permitted to act independently or impose disciplinary action during the league’s investigation.
Suspensions under the domestic violence policy that was established in 2016 have ranged from 15 to 100 games. Urias’ did not include any mention of being ineligible for postseason play, which has been the case for others who were suspended under the overhauled policy.
Urias is 4-3 with a 2.53 ERA in 27 games (six starts) this season. He pitched in Friday’s series opener against the Atlanta Braves, completing his third three-inning save. Overall, Urias has four saves this season.
